FRINGE man Andis Shala has urged his team-mates to show some backbone and prove to the Dundee United board that they don't have to spend money on replacing David Goodwillie.

Shala urged his team-mates to show the United board they don't have to spend to replace Goodwillie. []

Goodwillie has already been the subject of a bid from Rangers and look sure to quit Tannadice before the end of the transfer window with Blackpool, Swansea and Germans Kaiserslautern also interested.

The former Scotland Under-21 man was suspended from the weekend's goalless Scottish Cup draw with Ross County and was badly missed as his side failed miserably to break the deadlock.

Shala came off the bench just before the hour and is desperate to earn himself a regular first-team slot when Goodwillie goes.

Goodwillie is the only player in the Arabs squad hitting the net this season and fans will be looking for some of the cash earned from his sale to be spent on a goalgetter.

However, Shala believes that is not needed and remains confident the other misfiring strikers in the squad can rise to the challenge.

The 22-year-old said: "I think we can cope with the players we have. I have certainly always been confident. I wouldn't say that I can't cope because I know I can.

"I just feel I need a few games to get my sharpness.I don't think we should spend money anyway. The team has to show some character now and show that we can do well without David if he leaves. There are 24 or 25 players in the squad.

"People must want to get in, do their best and show the manager.

"I hope to get the opportunity if David leaves to get into the first 11 and show what I can do. I want to help the team win games."

Shala has spent two-and-a-half years at Tannadice after leaving German outfit VfB Mannheim and has never really made any kind of meaningful breakthrough.

He has scored just two goals and made just 30 appearances, but he knows Goodwillie's departure could be his real chance to shine adding : "My contract is up in the summer. I am United through and through, but I want to play. All the strikers have to step up and show they can fill David's boots.

"It will be hard, but I am certainly willing to do everything in training and whenever I am on the pitch to show the manager I want to play.